What Is Ethanol Used For? Industrial & Commercial Applications

Ethanol (CAS 64-17-5), also known as ethyl alcohol, is one of the most widely produced and consumed chemicals in the world. With the molecular formula C₂H₅OH, ethanol serves critical functions across pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, industrial manufacturing, and personal care.

## What Is Ethanol?

Ethanol is a clear, colorless, flammable liquid with a characteristic odor. It is produced through fermentation of sugars or through the hydration of ethylene. Depending on the production method and intended use, ethanol is available in several grades with varying purity levels.

## Key Applications of Ethanol

**Pharmaceuticals**
Pharmaceutical-grade ethanol is used as a solvent in the formulation of medications, tinctures, and extracts. It is also used for equipment sterilization and as an excipient in liquid dosage forms. USP-grade ethanol meets strict purity requirements for pharmaceutical applications.

**Food & Beverage**
Food-grade ethanol is used in flavor extraction, food preservation, and as a food additive. It is also the active ingredient in all alcoholic beverages, regulated by the TTB in the United States.

**Industrial Solvent**
Industrial ethanol is used as a solvent in the manufacture of paints, coatings, inks, and adhesives. Its ability to dissolve both polar and nonpolar compounds makes it highly versatile.

**Personal Care & Cosmetics**
Ethanol is widely used in hand sanitizers, perfumes, and skin care products. Its antimicrobial properties make it an effective active ingredient in sanitizing formulations.

**Fuel & Energy**
Fuel-grade ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is blended with gasoline to produce cleaner-burning fuel. The United States is one of the world's largest producers of fuel ethanol.

**Laboratory & Research**
Reagent-grade and ACS-grade ethanol are used extensively in laboratory settings for chromatography, extraction, and as a general-purpose solvent.

## Available Grades

- Industrial Grade
- Food Grade (FCC)
- USP/NF Grade
- Reagent/ACS Grade
- Denatured Ethanol

## Source Ethanol Through OpenFormula

OpenFormula supplies ethanol in all grades and packaging formats. Contact us for competitive pricing and 24-hour quote turnaround.